Barcelona believe Laporte will join Guardiola at Manchester City
The men responsible for bringing players to Barcelona have assumed for a while now that signing Athletic Club defender America Laporte is impossible. The club have always been aware of the number of clubs interested in the Frenchman and believe he will make the move to the Premier League next season.
Confirmation of that fact, they believe, has been Pep Guardiola’s decision to say goodbye to Bayern Munich at the end of the season and to relocate to Manchester City. Days after that announcement, Barça learned that the Catalan coach had requested City make a move for Laporte. And it looks like Guardiola’s wish will be granted.
Sources within Guardiola’s environment have confirmed an agreement in principle with Laporte, providing a deal can be agreed with Athletic. In the worst case scenario, the price will be 50 million euros, which has been the player’s release clause since he renewed his contract at San Mames.
Over the last two seasons, Barça have sounded out a move for Laporte, despite Athletic’s reluctance to sell to the Catalan side. At no moment have the Basque side wavered from their demands that to sign the 21-year-old, you will have to pay his buy-out fee.
